So now that you've been introduced to the world of cosplay, you want to cosplay yourself. You've got your character in mind, you've found your reference pictures, and you've looked around on the internet at the various cosplay sites. But, oh! These cosplay sites ask too much for the costume you need! Sadly, your meager budget will only allow for one item from the costume you desire. Never fear, my fellow cosplayer! There are ways to do this cosplay, go to that convention, AND have money left for merchandise!
The expensive nature of cosplaying often discourages fans from participating. As I've said, however, there are ways around the expensive costume. That's what this week's feature is all about! Read on and learn these secrets...
- Look through your closet. While your character may have a wild and outlandish style, you may be able to find a piece of your normal, everyday clothes that could serve your purpose. If you don't have to buy something, don't buy it!
- Go to your local thrift store or pawn shop. Like your own closet, these may offer up articles of clothing to serve your purpose. You could also check at your local Wal-Mart, Fred's, Target, or K-Mart.
- Make your costume. Even if you yourself are not an expert sewer, you may have a relative, friend, or neighbor who could open their own clothing business if they wanted. Go to this person and cut a deal with them. Offer to buy the fabric needed, the pattern, and any accessories (such as zippers or buttons) needed to make the costume or costume piece. You can often find patterns for less than $1 at Wal-Mart and Hobby Lobby, as well as the nearest fabrics store.
- The pattern does not have to be an exact match. If you choose to have your costume custom-made, chances are you will not find the exact pattern you need. Find a pattern that is as close as possible and make any necessary adjustments. If you're having someone else do the sewing, tell them what you want modified on the pattern.
- Wigs are not always necessary. If your hair is close to that of your character, don't buy a wig. Style your hair as needed. If your hair is the right length but not the right color, buy some temporary hair dye. Or, if you really want, buy a more permanent hair dye. If you choose the permanent route, make sure it's okay with your parents or guardians, if they may have a problem with it. If your hair is the right color but is too long, you can cut it, if you wish. Again, make sure this is okay with your parents or guardians.
- If your hair is too short, or you don't want to cut/color it, then you can go on a search for a wig. However, when you're searching, don't use the character's name! Character-specific wigs are often expensive. Instead, search for the color of the hair. For example, if you're planning to cosplay as Sephiroth, search for a long, silver wig. If you're planning to cosplay as Sora, search for a shaggy, brown wig. Remember, wigs can be styled just like real hair.
- Shoes are also something to consider. As with your clothing, look in your closet first, then hit the thrift stores and pawn shops. You can also search on eBay and Amazon, if need be. As with the wigs, do not search for character-specific shoes! This will yield expensive results.
- If your character has jewelry, weapons, or wears a mask, consider making it instead of buying it. These items are often simple to make and tutorials can be found in a myriad of places.
Cosplaying doesn't have to be expensive! While it will take more effort to do a cheaper cosplay, you will save money in the end. I realize I may not have answered everyone's questions, so if you have them, feel free to send me a Private Message! I'm always willing to help in any way I can. And remember to take pictures of your cosplay! Document the experience. Learn from what you did. If something worked for you, share it! Or if it didn't work for you, find out why it didn't work and fix the problem. If you would like, I'll also be willing to feature your cosplay on this world. Just send me a couple of pictures (or links to them) and a description of the cosplay.
Well, stay classy, Otakuites, and happy playing!
Excel~
Okay, so this isn't meant to run anybody down, really. But here's some examples of bad cosplay. This is not meant to offend anybody! I actually applaud these players' efforts! No flamers, please.
First, we have a typical example of horrible cosplay: Overweight-Middle-Aged-Man as Sailor Moon!
When anyone mentions bad cosplay, the image most of us receive is that of an overweight man who appears to be in his 30s or 40s dressed as Sailor Moon, or some other short-skirted heroin.
Next up, we have someone who went too cheap: Cheap Kakashi!
While it is good to do a cheap cosplay, it is not always good to be THIS cheap! Wigs can be expensive, but toilet paper is a poor excuse for hair...
Now we come to something that can be truly disturbing: Existing Characters' Love Child!
While we all know that Jessi and James were destined to be together, we did not expect them to reproduce...Pokemon will never be the same for me...
Oh, look! More cheap things: Cardboard costumes!
If you choose to use cardboard to make a mecha, please please PLEASE put some real effort into making your costume! Wearing a cardboard box and writing "Gundam" on it does not work.
Finally, we have a cosplay nightmare: A furry!
Now, don't get me wrong. A lot of people actually like furries. But please remember that CHILDREN often attend conventions!! Do not ruin their childhood by trying to be a sexy furry!
Well, that's all I have for now, as theO only allows up to 5 pictures in a post. Look out for more of When Cosplay Goes Wrong!
Stay classy, Otakuites!
Excel~
So, you're an anime fan, you're snooping around on the internet looking for pictures of your favorite characters, and behold! You come across images of real people dressed as your favorite character! What's this? Has your favorite character come to life? No, my friend, this is called cosplay.
Costume Roleplay, or just "cosplay" is a common phenomenon among fans of anime, manga, video games, and other such media. It involves the player dressing up in a costume representative of a character, or sometimes even an idea. One can find a myriad of cosplayers at any media convention such as anime and video game conventions.
Now that you know what cosplay is, you may have decided that you would like to partake in this fantasy world. Welcome, fellow player! Before simply jumping into this wonderful world, you may want to listen to a little advice from a veteran player:
- First, choose a character you know very well. Cosplay is not simply looking like the character, but actually acting like a character.
- Next, you'll want a full-body image of your character. There are Cosplay Nazis out there who will tear you to pieces if your costume is full of mistakes. Nothing can break your spirit like flack from a Cosplay Nazi. When going out to gather the items for your costume, you'll want to have a front, side, and back view image of your character so that you don't leave out any necessary items.
- Now you can go out and find those items! There are many cosplay resources on the internet. Sites such as Cosplay Magic and Cosplay.com offer a wide selection of cosplay costumes and accessories. However, sites like these usually have expensive items. If you don't have a large budget, try looking on eBay or Amazon for your items. Later, I'll do a feature on cheap cosplay.
- A lot of characters have wild and funky hair styles. You can find wigs at the cosplay sites, eBay, and Amazon, but there are also sites specifically geared towards wigs. Wigs.com and Best Wig Outlet offer a variety of wigs. However, not all characters require you to buy a wig. If your hair is very close to the character you've chosen and you can easily style your hair to match the character, it's best to save your money and skip out on buying a wig, as it would be unnecessary and itchy.
- Take pictures! Document your first cosplay and learn from it. Did something go wrong? Remember what went wrong, or what didn't work for you and build on it. Or, if it turned out great, remember that as well! Share your cosplay with your friends and fellow anime fans.
Now that you're acquainted with the world of cosplay, go out there and give it a try! If you'd like, you can PM me with your first cosplay. I'll even feature it if you want me to!
Stay classy, Otakuites, and happy playing!
Excel~
